A wheellock rifle by Johann Michael Maucher

The eight-groove rifled, octagonal barrel in 15 mm calibre, slightly swamped at the muzzle, with dovetailed brass front sight and chiselled, double folding iron rear sight. The monogram "* I * H*" struck at the breech. The lightly chiselled wheellock with semi-internal wheel, double set trigger and an openwork wheel cover. The walnut stock with horn nose, elaborately carved in part relief with animals, floral ornaments and a hunting scene. Carved wooden patch box and iron trigger guard. A horn inlay behind the breech plug, approximately one half preserved, bearing the signature "JOHAN.. MICHAEL MA..... BILDHAVER BIXEN.SHIFT... SHWEB:GEM...". The back of the butt dated "1680". Original wooden ramrod with horn tip and iron cleaning sleeve. Length 107.5 cm.
Johann Michael Maucher, Schwäbisch Gmünd, 1645 – 1701, gun maker and woodcarver, was the most significant master of this famous gun making family of Schwäbisch Gmünd.
Condition:II